tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82657364209165526392018-03-07T14:28:27.992-08:00Hydro-GardenSteven Hartmannoreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8265736420916552639.post-37399915194145558382017-10-23T14:27:00.000-07:002017-10-23T14:27:53.318-07:00CREATING AN INDOOR GROWING SPACEHave you ever tried growing outdoor only to have your crops eaten up by birds, bugs, and other forces of nature!😢<br /><br />&nbsp;Whether outdoor or indoor gardening you will always face challenges! Using the sunlight, and soil for growing outside or high pressure sodium lights, and hydroponic systems to grow inside? What do I do?? If you decide to take things indoor! How do you figure out the&nbsp; size of room or space will you need?<br /><br /><b><i>Here are a few things to think about!</i></b><br /><b><i><br /></i></b><br /><ul><li><b>What type, and size containers will you be using to grow your plants?</b></li></ul>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; There are many different sizes of containers and pots for many different growing methods. The type or strain of the plant you are planning on growing also has much to do with your needs.<br /><br /><br /><ul><li><b>Determine method of growing you will be using!</b></li></ul>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Once again the strain or type of plant will have much to do with your decision with which growing method you will be using. Keep in mind Ebb &amp; flow systems, and Drip systems will take up more room than say a soil grow or DWC .&nbsp;<a href="http://www.hydro-garden.com/4-Bucket-Root-Spa-system-p/hf-rs5gal4sys-.htm" target="_blank">Root Spa</a><br /><br /><br /><ul><li><b>How many plants will you be growing, and what type or strain of plant?</b></li></ul>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;It is obvious that an entire garden would need more room than a single plant! But think about how big of a radius does each plant need? How tall is it gonna get? How far do my lights hang down?<br /><br /><br /><ul><li><b>Do you have the ability to control the environment such as temperature and humidity?</b></li></ul>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Is there plenty of ventilation to help control the heat that is produced when using grow lights ? Is there room for a charcoal filter, and ventilation ducting? Especially if you are using metal halide or high pressure sodium high intensity discharge lamps!&nbsp;<a href="http://www.hydro-garden.com/light-reflector-kits-s/1818.htm" target="_blank">HID light kits</a>&nbsp;If HID lamps are too hot or expensive to run for your taste you may like the cooler and less expensive to run LED.&nbsp;<a href="http://www.hydro-garden.com/led-lighting-s/1821.htm" target="_blank">LED Lights</a><br /><b><br /></b><br /><ul><li><b>Ability to control the light source during different stages of growth, harvest, cloning,etc.?</b></li></ul>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Will your entire grow be in cycles or will you be trying to keep all growing stages going at the same time? We know the vegetative stage light cycle is longer than the bloom light cycle so if you are going to use one grow space or room it will have to be split up with walls or grow tents. Using grow tents is a good way to split a single space into a complete grow room set up giving you the ability to veg, bloom, harvest, clone, dry, and process in one area.&nbsp;<a href="http://www.hydro-garden.com/grow-tents-s/1820.htm" target="_blank">Grow tents</a><br />Steven Hartmanhttps://plus.google.com/105346028885515213253noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8265736420916552639.post-39159025902609651082017-09-14T12:42:00.000-07:002017-09-14T12:42:20.106-07:00Stem & Root RotWhat a sad, sad day when you realize your plant is affected with stem or root rot. Whether growing in soil or hydroponics your plants are at risk for problem causing fungi!!!!😡<br /><br />The definition of stem rot is "A symptom or phase of many diseases of plants characterized by decay of the stem tissue" and in most cases is caused by these soil inhabiting fungi.<br /><br /><ul><li>Rhizoctonia</li><li>Fusarium</li><li>Pythium</li></ul>Stem rot can happen whether your plants are in the vegetative growth state or the flower stage. It is possible to survive up to 5 years in soil. It can be spread by unfiltered water, and unsterilized tools. Symptoms of stem rot may include wilting, dieback, and poor vigor. Some causes may include poorly drained soil, crowding, mechanical injury, over watering or improper nutrient balance.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wiWyMx3e-MM/WbrXnRWJzOI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/qLQ1Xsp3sRE5XwopwdikiudHYEd7Ket6QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170806_114552051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wiWyMx3e-MM/WbrXnRWJzOI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/qLQ1Xsp3sRE5XwopwdikiudHYEd7Ket6QCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20170806_114552051.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Plants showing signs of stem rot will have spots near the stem or on the roots near the soil level. These spots will vary in color and sizes. Spots on the stem or root may be gray, brown, black, or even bright red!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cLt8KxUXa4o/WbrYp8dEvFI/AAAAAAAAARA/UEyoH9biwVopC8SWNVLOz0i9Lozl6qQGQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170806_114608711.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cLt8KxUXa4o/WbrYp8dEvFI/AAAAAAAAARA/UEyoH9biwVopC8SWNVLOz0i9Lozl6qQGQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20170806_114608711.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>To avoid and/or treat root or stem rot be sure not to over water your plants. Try to keep base of the stem in dry conditions. Do not fertilize during hot, dry conditions. Mulch and aerate the soil. There are also multiple fungicides available. With a little research it easy to find what you need for your certain growing conditions. <br /><br />Steven Hartmanhttps://plus.google.com/105346028885515213253noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8265736420916552639.post-36598853236788954432017-06-19T20:46:00.001-07:002017-06-19T20:46:35.671-07:00NEEDS OF A PLANTWe need food, water, and air, to survive. The purity, amount, and quality, help determine how healthy our bodies will be. Plants, in the same way, have certain needs to survive.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>LIGHT</b></span><br /><b style="font-size: x-large;">&nbsp;</b>The Intensity of the light or brightness.<br />&nbsp;The quality of light or wavelength of the spectrum.<br />&nbsp;The duration of light or amount of exposure,<br />are all determining factors on how well your plant will grow.<br />HID (High Intensity Discharge) Lamps include;<br />&nbsp;High Pressure Sodium<br />&nbsp;Metal Halide<br />These are great for indoor gardening although they need to be ventilated as they put off a lot of heat.<br />The HID lamps also use more electricity than fluorescent, and LED grow lights. Compare lights here.&nbsp;<a href="http://www.hydro-garden.com/light-reflector-kits-s/1818.htm">Light Reflector Kits</a><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>WATER</b></span><br /><b style="font-size: x-large;">&nbsp;</b>Required for photosynthesis.<br />&nbsp;Helps to cool the plant through evaporation.<br />&nbsp;Keeps the plant turgid or rigid.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>AIR</b></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>&nbsp;The plant gets it's carbon dioxide to aid in photosynthesis,<br />and oxygen for respiration from the air.<br />&nbsp;The roots of the plant may experience problems if they aren't irrigated properly, and receive<br />adequate Oxygen, especially in DWC (Deep Water Culture)<br /><br />Note the affected Brown roots on the left verses the light colored, firm, smooth roots on the right.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-okJGTenj2Ak/WUiUUAT4uMI/AAAAAAAAAQI/vG92Md1jtm847uFSn5RmFYFDd912nCLdACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170618_164711059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-okJGTenj2Ak/WUiUUAT4uMI/AAAAAAAAAQI/vG92Md1jtm847uFSn5RmFYFDd912nCLdACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20170618_164711059.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>If using the DWC method for growing indoors it is very important not to leave your plant roots in stagnant or warmer temperature water. Many growers use air stones or bubble buckets to enrich the water with Oxygen. Check out these awesome Root Spa buckets.&nbsp;<a href="http://www.hydro-garden.com/4-Bucket-Root-Spa-system-p/hf-rs5gal4sys-.htm">Root Spa</a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TxA0w8_XUyY/WUiWg0zI5WI/AAAAAAAAAQU/pswpID_ZjlUmVZCWwkPTCjk8ehBfJyuawCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170618_160206946.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TxA0w8_XUyY/WUiWg0zI5WI/AAAAAAAAAQU/pswpID_ZjlUmVZCWwkPTCjk8ehBfJyuawCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20170618_160206946.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>MINERALS</b></span><br /><br />&nbsp;Plants need nutrients to produce their own food through the<br />process of photosynthesis. There are Macro, and Micro nutrients.<br /><br /><ul><li>MACRO NUTRIENTS</li></ul>Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, and Sulfur.<br /><br /><br /><ul><li>MICRO NUTRIENTS</li></ul>Iron, Copper, Zinc, Manganese, Molybdenum, Boron.<br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>&nbsp;Growing in soil provides most of the nutrients your plant needs, especially for the first part of the growing stage. Other micro nutrients are provided through using tap water, but when using DWC, or other Hydroponic Systems, using pre mixed nutrient packages makes providing your plants with all they need easy and affordable. Here's a basic 2 part package.&nbsp;<a href="http://www.hydro-garden.com/Basic-Feeding-Pakage-p/dl-hn-prembasic.htm">Feeding Package</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>Steven Hartmanhttps://plus.google.com/105346028885515213253noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8265736420916552639.post-19808059869318094592017-02-06T18:02:00.000-08:002017-02-06T20:53:43.089-08:00Get Started Early!!!This time of year is the perfect time to get ready for your next grow! Whether you are into indoor hydroponic gardening, or more the outdoor type of gardener, now is the time to get your little plants and seedlings a head start on the grow season.<br />&nbsp; The Outdoor gardener can take advantage of germinating seeds, and growing healthy well developed young plants indoors, to transplant outdoors after the last Spring freeze. Complete Rooting/Cloning kits provide what you need to help guarantee success!&nbsp;<a href="http://www.hydro-garden.com/product-p/ga-clonepkg.htm">Complete Root/Clone Kit</a><br /><br />The Indoor gardener has the advantage of growing basically all Year long, but often needs to Clone a favorite strain or to create a SOG.(Sea Of Green) This Complete Rooting/Cloning kit has Cloning gel, disposable scalpels, heat mat, and much more to make Cloning a breeze!&nbsp;<a href="http://www.hydro-garden.com/product-p/ga-clonepkg.htm">Complete Root/Clone Kit</a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7hLEPKfnwCk/WJkqVmjmH6I/AAAAAAAAAPo/o1nXLT1abYwvJiIUOHYHdudFzcwSF1aogCLcB/s1600/2016-03-23%2B19.51.33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7hLEPKfnwCk/WJkqVmjmH6I/AAAAAAAAAPo/o1nXLT1abYwvJiIUOHYHdudFzcwSF1aogCLcB/s320/2016-03-23%2B19.51.33.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Steven Hartmanhttps://plus.google.com/105346028885515213253noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8265736420916552639.post-49403897972033728822016-09-27T12:24:00.001-07:002016-09-27T12:25:27.581-07:00Keeping it coolWell it's officially Autumn! "So why is it so freaking hot!" Really though it's usually in the 70's around here all year long ,but we've been hitting the Nineties. One thing to remember on hot day's like these is if you're hot your plants are also hot!<br /><br />Make sure your grow room has fresh air coming in ,and a good filter and fan combo. <a href="http://www.hydro-garden.com/climate-control-s/1822.htm" target="_blank">Fan and Filter Combo</a><br /><br />Grow Tents without proper ventilation can become extremely hot and have terrible consequences on your plants.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TAgESZzuqa4/V-rGH1idHcI/AAAAAAAAAO0/5QBfrHs86c0YpBu225QbrZgVNl-0k8fPQCLcB/s1600/IMG_20160809_133001021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TAgESZzuqa4/V-rGH1idHcI/AAAAAAAAAO0/5QBfrHs86c0YpBu225QbrZgVNl-0k8fPQCLcB/s320/IMG_20160809_133001021.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MLl4iv9W5Ss/V-rGMB2ZvqI/AAAAAAAAAO4/AR5s08uQFBQJcNzlnWjuQoLe730ylfudwCLcB/s1600/IMG_20160809_133030184.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MLl4iv9W5Ss/V-rGMB2ZvqI/AAAAAAAAAO4/AR5s08uQFBQJcNzlnWjuQoLe730ylfudwCLcB/s320/IMG_20160809_133030184.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-28hvhK0OjuY/V-rGOBNGl5I/AAAAAAAAAO8/MYR78MOZ4vY78ZEdUDh2cxjg8cmiIf-PACLcB/s1600/IMG_20160809_133052064.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-28hvhK0OjuY/V-rGOBNGl5I/AAAAAAAAAO8/MYR78MOZ4vY78ZEdUDh2cxjg8cmiIf-PACLcB/s320/IMG_20160809_133052064.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bringing in fresh air ,having fans inside grow tents, and using the proper size fan and filter combo kit can keep your indoor garden cool and comfortable even when it's hotter than usual outside!</div><br />Steven Hartmanhttps://plus.google.com/105346028885515213253noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8265736420916552639.post-6103187345031266372015-10-05T10:21:00.000-07:002015-10-05T10:21:12.783-07:00"What is pH,and how do I check it?"Plants absorb different nutrients much better at certain pH levels.What is pH anyway? When the purity of water is altered it can become "acidic" or more "basic". Water that is considered neutral has a pH of 7 on the pH scale of 0-14. If the water is "acidic" (on the low end of the scale) the water has more hydrogen ions than hydroxyl ions.If the water is "basic" (on the high end of the scale) the water contains more hydroxyl ions than hydrogen ions.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TVcr9ciXRVY/VhKkUnzG9MI/AAAAAAAAAOA/G2iF95IvbVI/s1600/IMG_20150929_122350309.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TVcr9ciXRVY/VhKkUnzG9MI/AAAAAAAAAOA/G2iF95IvbVI/s400/IMG_20150929_122350309.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As you can see on the chart most nutrients are absorbed between 5.5-6.5. So we want to make sure our pH levels are within these parameters. &nbsp;If growing in soil pH should be a little higher.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So lets do this!!!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">get a sample of nutrient solution. Half full at least.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hCGSI5MS-Uw/VhKkXmuxRtI/AAAAAAAAAOM/y-8cTej2Tpc/s1600/IMG_20150929_122027411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hCGSI5MS-Uw/VhKkXmuxRtI/AAAAAAAAAOM/y-8cTej2Tpc/s320/IMG_20150929_122027411.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>&nbsp;Now place 3-5 drops of pH test solution in sample. If it turns "reddish" in color it is too "acidic",and if it turns more "blueish" in color than it is too "basic". In this case our sample is on the low end being too "reddish"! So we will add some pH up to our nutrient solution 1-2 mg per gallon at first.Then more if needed.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9EPWkFwLTC4/VhKj_6Jj8AI/AAAAAAAAAN0/kXDwbgDYOhE/s1600/IMG_20150929_123400413.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9EPWkFwLTC4/VhKj_6Jj8AI/AAAAAAAAAN0/kXDwbgDYOhE/s320/IMG_20150929_123400413.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>After rechecking our solution again it appears to be more of a "yellowish" color which means it is around 6.0 on the pH scale!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WDB47fdeoT4/VhKkRqNRDJI/AAAAAAAAAN8/2VjuibkZ0Fs/s1600/IMG_20150929_122749739.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WDB47fdeoT4/VhKkRqNRDJI/AAAAAAAAAN8/2VjuibkZ0Fs/s320/IMG_20150929_122749739.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>&nbsp;This is where we want to be. Remember when you add more water to your solution in the near future make sure the pH is adjusted before using. Keep in mind any nutrients or additives may change your solutions pH . Of course if our pH was too high we would have used pH down too lower it .<a href="http://www.hydro-garden.com/product-p/dl-xnhphup-1qt-xnhphdown-1q.htm">link</a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Aep8kKFI5Vs/VhKkZ_XiJ_I/AAAAAAAAAOU/keHg-zGsQvw/s1600/IMG_20150929_121719136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Aep8kKFI5Vs/VhKkZ_XiJ_I/AAAAAAAAAOU/keHg-zGsQvw/s320/IMG_20150929_121719136.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />Steven Hartmanhttps://plus.google.com/105346028885515213253noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8265736420916552639.post-2964989878958466212014-10-21T13:33:00.000-07:002014-10-21T13:33:22.524-07:00"THE BORG"This is a Blog Post I was hoping I would never have to write about! After all the precautions taken ,we've been invaded by Spider Mites .Some call this terrible force of nature "The BORG". Which I believe is fitting! These nasty little critters are so small you can hardly see them with the naked eye! Once you see the first sign of infestation in your indoor garden it's time to act fast!!!!<br /><br />Indoor hydroponic gardening is usually easier to control or prevent infestations, but it does happen to the best of us! Once you see one of these guys or there webbing you can bet you got trouble!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PWLzbNA3-8o/VEa61TltG0I/AAAAAAAAALQ/5EqnapH5SKE/s1600/two_spotted_spider_mite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PWLzbNA3-8o/VEa61TltG0I/AAAAAAAAALQ/5EqnapH5SKE/s1600/two_spotted_spider_mite.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N0NwOKgFRJY/VEa64ZoQCDI/AAAAAAAAALY/3p_EjGh8A2s/s1600/spidermites%2Band%2Beggs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N0NwOKgFRJY/VEa64ZoQCDI/AAAAAAAAALY/3p_EjGh8A2s/s1600/spidermites%2Band%2Beggs.jpg" height="320" width="298" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After you realize you have visitors it's time to show them the door!!!!!&nbsp;</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ITXfZlvSxLs/VEa66Y8N5gI/AAAAAAAAALg/eZ9-M_tSMyM/s1600/spidermite%2Bwebbing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ITXfZlvSxLs/VEa66Y8N5gI/AAAAAAAAALg/eZ9-M_tSMyM/s1600/spidermite%2Bwebbing.jpg" height="250" width="320" /></a></div><br />If you have webbing on your plants you know the situation is bad ,and will take several treatments to rid this "EVIL"!!!!!First off we will kill off every single mite we can see with one of &nbsp;several different &nbsp;products.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DAVktW5FOik/VEa69B-F4-I/AAAAAAAAALo/4EwvZF68I4w/s1600/spider%2Blike%2Bmite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DAVktW5FOik/VEa69B-F4-I/AAAAAAAAALo/4EwvZF68I4w/s1600/spider%2Blike%2Bmite.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AFrMNRE_LSk/VEa6_cXAExI/AAAAAAAAALw/qhL3lycNgJk/s1600/red%2Bmite%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AFrMNRE_LSk/VEa6_cXAExI/AAAAAAAAALw/qhL3lycNgJk/s1600/red%2Bmite%2B2.jpg" height="320" width="319" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4_7eOA5uhYU/VEa7BdyCYOI/AAAAAAAAAL4/FnWzb_026WY/s1600/red%2Bmite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4_7eOA5uhYU/VEa7BdyCYOI/AAAAAAAAAL4/FnWzb_026WY/s1600/red%2Bmite.jpg" height="286" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wej6XcaztjM/VEa7E60wxFI/AAAAAAAAAMA/hMcrP47gEec/s1600/brown%2Bmite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wej6XcaztjM/VEa7E60wxFI/AAAAAAAAAMA/hMcrP47gEec/s1600/brown%2Bmite.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br />&nbsp;There are approx. 1,200 different kinds of mites . Natures mite control is done by lady bugs,but if we don't have an army of lady bugs we'll have to use other methods.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8MRN02hRUE0/VEa7G5KvQ7I/AAAAAAAAAMI/U9evmM-SxWs/s1600/lady%2Bbug.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8MRN02hRUE0/VEa7G5KvQ7I/AAAAAAAAAMI/U9evmM-SxWs/s1600/lady%2Bbug.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dlbbMaHETCo/VEa7MHc1NYI/AAAAAAAAAMY/XXqgK8WgCXk/s1600/mighty%2Bwash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dlbbMaHETCo/VEa7MHc1NYI/AAAAAAAAAMY/XXqgK8WgCXk/s1600/mighty%2Bwash.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div><br />&nbsp;Mighty wash can be found mostly anywhere hydroponic supplies are sold. Be sure to use this product right before lights out to help protect from leaf burn!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M4VHiGdyxUo/VEa7J5YtEMI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/tDAQBFBqh08/s1600/SM90.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M4VHiGdyxUo/VEa7J5YtEMI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/tDAQBFBqh08/s1600/SM90.jpg" /></a>SM-90 works very well ,and smells great. Mix 5-1 with water</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and be sure when using these products that you apply on and under all your leafs. Repeat every 5-7 days to assure all mites are destroyed ,and none are hatching from eggs. When your convinced their gone treat again! Wash your grow room area with a bleach solution then repeat a week later.SM-90 added to your solution is good for your roots ,and good mite prevention. Don't forget to leave outdoor plants outdoors ,and keep your grow room clean!!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Steven Hartmanhttps://plus.google.com/105346028885515213253noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8265736420916552639.post-78244612230325785182014-09-16T11:54:00.000-07:002014-09-16T11:54:01.618-07:00Keeping it clean!!!Well now that we have happy plants its time to make sure we keep them happy,and healthy! Some people change there solution in their hydroponic systems weekly. I've known growers that never changed or cleaned their systems during an entire grow, and still had moderate luck! When we grow herbs,vegetables,fruits or medication for ourselves I suggest that we would want to keep our hydroponic systems as clean as possible , and in great working condition! The great thing about indoor hydroponic gardening is you control the entire environment! A clean environment is a happy one!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ga9FUC-cbmE/VBh_zjMVOUI/AAAAAAAAAIU/pcN5RH3sIMs/s1600/cleaning%2Bthe%2Breservoir%2B003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ga9FUC-cbmE/VBh_zjMVOUI/AAAAAAAAAIU/pcN5RH3sIMs/s1600/cleaning%2Bthe%2Breservoir%2B003.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L7WdSCTyO38/VBiAKfXZ4MI/AAAAAAAAAIc/MLmIVKquuKE/s1600/cleaning%2Bthe%2Breservoir%2B004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L7WdSCTyO38/VBiAKfXZ4MI/AAAAAAAAAIc/MLmIVKquuKE/s1600/cleaning%2Bthe%2Breservoir%2B004.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We will start with the flood table first.A good washing with mild dish soap, and sanitize with bleach then rinse it well! Next we will remove the reservoir, and place it on a little dolly for easy handling .</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--D62mlBlgfk/VBiB3LvqMPI/AAAAAAAAAIo/lddeyXwIsnQ/s1600/cleaning%2Bthe%2Breservoir%2B007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--D62mlBlgfk/VBiB3LvqMPI/AAAAAAAAAIo/lddeyXwIsnQ/s1600/cleaning%2Bthe%2Breservoir%2B007.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The same washing and sanitizing methods that we used on the flood table are applied to the reservoir, and pump system.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PWhrQkKyDmI/VBiCvSCJ0OI/AAAAAAAAAIw/VisvVp_9F3A/s1600/cleaning%2Bthe%2Breservoir%2B008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PWhrQkKyDmI/VBiCvSCJ0OI/AAAAAAAAAIw/VisvVp_9F3A/s1600/cleaning%2Bthe%2Breservoir%2B008.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After cleaning and sanitizing are complete we will begin to put it all back together.Are we having fun yet?!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GaX2MKzJXw0/VBiDYbH_QMI/AAAAAAAAAI4/rqjTo2xYBac/s1600/cleaning%2Bthe%2Breservoir%2B009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GaX2MKzJXw0/VBiDYbH_QMI/AAAAAAAAAI4/rqjTo2xYBac/s1600/cleaning%2Bthe%2Breservoir%2B009.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Let everything air dry then refill your hydroponic systems reservoir with the proper mixture of "nutes" that you prefer to nourish your garden with, and be sure to check the pH level of the water you are using, and adjust it accordingly!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uN0aKZ5CjE0/VBiEZtANExI/AAAAAAAAAJE/Jz4rO2tZjHA/s1600/cleaning%2Bthe%2Breservoir%2B010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uN0aKZ5CjE0/VBiEZtANExI/AAAAAAAAAJE/Jz4rO2tZjHA/s1600/cleaning%2Bthe%2Breservoir%2B010.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then we put the pump system back in place, cover the reservoir, plug it back into the timer, and our automated hydroponic systems back "online".</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iIlsE0QDMMM/VBiFMb0YW6I/AAAAAAAAAJM/C-btVIfk-4w/s1600/cleaning%2Bthe%2Breservoir%2B011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iIlsE0QDMMM/VBiFMb0YW6I/AAAAAAAAAJM/C-btVIfk-4w/s1600/cleaning%2Bthe%2Breservoir%2B011.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X8O6QX7WIfU/VBiFP3eLS5I/AAAAAAAAAJU/ecwPCeAoM8I/s1600/cleaning%2Bthe%2Breservoir%2B012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X8O6QX7WIfU/VBiFP3eLS5I/AAAAAAAAAJU/ecwPCeAoM8I/s1600/cleaning%2Bthe%2Breservoir%2B012.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">That wasn't so bad now was it? We still have plenty of time to get started on our "to do" list!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Remember to keep it clean, and it will keep you healthy! "Take care of your stuff and your stuff will take care of you!"&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Steven Hartmanhttps://plus.google.com/105346028885515213253noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8265736420916552639.post-48269966128218213642014-08-19T12:04:00.000-07:002014-08-19T12:04:49.842-07:00Growing Healthy Foods Grows Healthy Bodies!!!!!!!!With Summertime coming to an end, I can't help but look back at all the good fruits and vegetables that were so readily available, as they were in season. The planting, growing ,and Harvesting will continue throughout the Year however using the new Grow tent set up available through hydro-garden.com.<a href="http://www.hydro-garden.com/grow-tents-s/1820.htm">http://www.hydro-garden.com/grow-tents-s/1820.htm</a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gzraDGPuTl4/U_OYsk_rbRI/AAAAAAAAAHM/x2SQPVYUa9s/s1600/grow%2Btent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gzraDGPuTl4/U_OYsk_rbRI/AAAAAAAAAHM/x2SQPVYUa9s/s1600/grow%2Btent.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div><br /><br />These tents allow you to keep growing your favorite veggies and herbs all year around. Summer may be coming to an end but the summertime foods and activities don't have to end!!!!<br /><br />We just hiked a lovely trail along "coon creek" at the Coast in Mantana De Oro State Park.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2a6zUFzSeu8/U_OYed82TnI/AAAAAAAAAHE/SJwhasKGR4Y/s1600/view%2Bat%2Bmontana%2Bde%2Boro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2a6zUFzSeu8/U_OYed82TnI/AAAAAAAAAHE/SJwhasKGR4Y/s1600/view%2Bat%2Bmontana%2Bde%2Boro.jpg" height="149" width="320" /></a></div><br />My favorite exercise though is Golf. Luckily residing on the Central Coast of California I can get plenty of rounds in every year!!!!! LOOK OUT hole in one! I'm coming for you!!!!!!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4pmVJkk4Zx8/U_OdUi_L7_I/AAAAAAAAAIE/UhPPC0lzSZk/s1600/golf%2Bshot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4pmVJkk4Zx8/U_OdUi_L7_I/AAAAAAAAAIE/UhPPC0lzSZk/s1600/golf%2Bshot.jpg" height="245" width="320" /></a></div>Just remember whatever sport or hobby you like to do is a benefit to your overall health and fitness! It seems like the more hobbies and activities we plan for our health takes up a lot of our time, but the rewards we get from our gardening and healthy eating/exercising is worth it.Eat well, Play hard, and enjoy all life has to offer!!!<br /><br />Steven Hartmanhttps://plus.google.com/105346028885515213253noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8265736420916552639.post-62711490938341079182014-06-26T09:36:00.000-07:002014-06-26T09:36:24.251-07:00"Fruits of our labor"Now that we have some delicious salads, and other yummy veggies coming up nicely ,we can focus a little on the fruit around our garden. It looks like our guava tree is in bloom.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hs4GiAujnxQ/U6xHjRH9UFI/AAAAAAAAAGE/bYw1G1p2n9s/s1600/june+2014+fruit+garden+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hs4GiAujnxQ/U6xHjRH9UFI/AAAAAAAAAGE/bYw1G1p2n9s/s1600/june+2014+fruit+garden+005.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k6LVOdOi5PU/U6xHnLjZbaI/AAAAAAAAAGM/7hrKQJw12pU/s1600/june+2014+fruit+garden+006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k6LVOdOi5PU/U6xHnLjZbaI/AAAAAAAAAGM/7hrKQJw12pU/s1600/june+2014+fruit+garden+006.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These pretty flowers will soon be replaced by some of the most delicious fruits&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I've ever tasted!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then we have our apples, and oranges (and no, I don't compare them!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mG2P9U47ecI/U6xIrBYdvwI/AAAAAAAAAGU/mLstCYGJz3s/s1600/june+2014+fruit+garden+011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mG2P9U47ecI/U6xIrBYdvwI/AAAAAAAAAGU/mLstCYGJz3s/s1600/june+2014+fruit+garden+011.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tIJFjf81Yn0/U6xIvG-Ih9I/AAAAAAAAAGc/mRbneT3hJVg/s1600/june+2014+fruit+garden+012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tIJFjf81Yn0/U6xIvG-Ih9I/AAAAAAAAAGc/mRbneT3hJVg/s1600/june+2014+fruit+garden+012.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our mulberries are starting to turn darker. They will be cleaned, and frozen for later use.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-__zy2wEQcpI/U6xJfGZTPHI/AAAAAAAAAGk/5CYZPuI5-gw/s1600/june+2014+fruit+garden+007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-__zy2wEQcpI/U6xJfGZTPHI/AAAAAAAAAGk/5CYZPuI5-gw/s1600/june+2014+fruit+garden+007.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then we have our nectarine tree doing its thing, and the peaches are coming in huge this year.(Too bad the birds are getting the first taste!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">:-(</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BpPaYcK7xOE/U6xKTlVFQFI/AAAAAAAAAGs/whKMx7RaoGs/s1600/june+2014+fruit+garden+008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BpPaYcK7xOE/U6xKTlVFQFI/AAAAAAAAAGs/whKMx7RaoGs/s1600/june+2014+fruit+garden+008.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4gYb_GHS24s/U6xKX11uphI/AAAAAAAAAG0/HMscL3oMEQc/s1600/june+2014+fruit+garden+009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4gYb_GHS24s/U6xKX11uphI/AAAAAAAAAG0/HMscL3oMEQc/s1600/june+2014+fruit+garden+009.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So it looks like we have plenty of work to be done in the near future. Cleaning, freezing, canning, making jams,etc.,but it's worth it for all the nutritious, and delicious treasures that we get from our gardens. Don't forget to exercise daily, and try to eat healthy, you may surprise yourself at how much better you feel!</div>Steven Hartmanhttps://plus.google.com/105346028885515213253noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8265736420916552639.post-89406970904647500702014-06-10T19:33:00.000-07:002014-06-10T19:33:18.573-07:00Garden nutrients and Natures gym!So now that we're well into June we have been getting some delicious greens, and cherry tomatoes. Our garden has already provided extra healthy nutrients, and we've only began. Here is some of our heirloom lettuce.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xeUHdcSjB_Y/U5ez45bQruI/AAAAAAAAAEg/EWwF4WTVHeE/s1600/june+2014+garden+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xeUHdcSjB_Y/U5ez45bQruI/AAAAAAAAAEg/EWwF4WTVHeE/s1600/june+2014+garden+001.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>Looks like we have a pretty good bunch of tomatoes not to far behind.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_VRlOvFng0A/U5e0me7_SQI/AAAAAAAAAEo/ADgxfBtrNJs/s1600/june+2014+garden+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_VRlOvFng0A/U5e0me7_SQI/AAAAAAAAAEo/ADgxfBtrNJs/s1600/june+2014+garden+003.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>The strawberries have been doing a lot better since we added our bird proof screening over the garden bed! Finally get to eat the berries instead of feeding the birds! "Sorry Birds!!!"<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oEWLnjnhnjs/U5e2CTp-18I/AAAAAAAAAE0/M15YPNFwflE/s1600/june+2014+garden+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oEWLnjnhnjs/U5e2CTp-18I/AAAAAAAAAE0/M15YPNFwflE/s1600/june+2014+garden+004.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uIebSbYcUrI/U5e2FmMpOdI/AAAAAAAAAE8/tcPYbGu9lss/s1600/june+2014+garden+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uIebSbYcUrI/U5e2FmMpOdI/AAAAAAAAAE8/tcPYbGu9lss/s1600/june+2014+garden+005.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>Yummy!!!! We sure could use more berries and fruits in our gardens! Remember we should be getting at least 5 servings of fruits and veggies every day! It is so much easier to go out to the garden ,or to the grow room , and pick your daily needed fruits and vegetables, instead of having to go to the market.<br /><br />Once again ,powered up by nutritious foods and a little added vitamin supplementation via Advocare Spark we tackle another hill top overlooking the town of Atascadero!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uuaqSmwbdXA/U5e7iP9frOI/AAAAAAAAAFM/pbtmT7Pk6j0/s1600/june+2014+garden+009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uuaqSmwbdXA/U5e7iP9frOI/AAAAAAAAAFM/pbtmT7Pk6j0/s1600/june+2014+garden+009.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y31U77Hfhos/U5e7lwpDFUI/AAAAAAAAAFU/-EOB89iMdyU/s1600/june+2014+garden+016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y31U77Hfhos/U5e7lwpDFUI/AAAAAAAAAFU/-EOB89iMdyU/s1600/june+2014+garden+016.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>We hiked along the Blue Oak Trail, and when we got near the top I was thinking "who needs a gym membership?" The energy from a little exercise ,and a healthy diet has helped me do so much more than I ever was able to do! After the hill we decided to walk along the ocean. This is at Shell beach!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sw8YOQW6x80/U5e9TtBWvpI/AAAAAAAAAFc/rGv4XTo_Tas/s1600/june+2014+garden+010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sw8YOQW6x80/U5e9TtBWvpI/AAAAAAAAAFc/rGv4XTo_Tas/s1600/june+2014+garden+010.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M6-gIx2qbaw/U5e9X7TWkNI/AAAAAAAAAFk/qP47o266rXU/s1600/june+2014+garden+011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M6-gIx2qbaw/U5e9X7TWkNI/AAAAAAAAAFk/qP47o266rXU/s1600/june+2014+garden+011.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>Remember to eat your veggies!!!!!! It's not too late to get growing your own nutrient rich foods at home whether it be an outside garden or indoor hydroponic gardening.For complete grow room packages find everything you need at &nbsp;<a href="http://www.hydro-garden.com/">www.hydro-garden.com</a>Steven Hartmanhttps://plus.google.com/105346028885515213253noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8265736420916552639.post-30592296566212388312014-05-13T11:50:00.002-07:002014-05-13T11:50:52.465-07:00Getting Fit and Healthy!Now that we have a healthy assortment of lettuce, greens, tomatoes, and other goodies growing in our gardens it's time to turn our focus on exercise! OOOooooohhhhh!!!!! I Know ! No one wants to hear that. Lately we have been increasing our daily exercise levels with work-outs, weight training, walking, golfing, and hiking! It helps overall health, and feeling better, when you mix great home grown fruits, and veggies with increased levels of &nbsp;activities. Here are some pics from our last hike through the San Luis Obispo County hills around Avila beach.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A1j2nxhWwmM/U3JlHVxkXvI/AAAAAAAAADc/Cp20w1VztLk/s1600/10308743_10202850404120132_4689947786585232665_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A1j2nxhWwmM/U3JlHVxkXvI/AAAAAAAAADc/Cp20w1VztLk/s1600/10308743_10202850404120132_4689947786585232665_n.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div><br />This was the start of our afternoon journey. The trails at Johnson's Ranch. A little over three miles of trail through the hills. It was nice, but not quite as challenging as we wanted.(Especially after we had our Advocare Spark, and we were ready to climb a hill!)<br /><br />So then it was on to Bob Jones trails then up through Sycamore Springs to the top of Avila Ridge!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JWOv1A9MSvQ/U3JmsrzlTLI/AAAAAAAAADk/kt5cu7oihTE/s1600/10367181_10202850399240010_8107712135170445149_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JWOv1A9MSvQ/U3JmsrzlTLI/AAAAAAAAADk/kt5cu7oihTE/s1600/10367181_10202850399240010_8107712135170445149_n.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>&nbsp;What a beautiful view! You can see the Pacific coast line of Pismo and Grover beach, and the Oceano dunes on your left, and San Luis Bay pier, and Avila beach on the right!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7EE8Kz4jo3k/U3JnaxERmXI/AAAAAAAAADs/7qJdOdZcR5I/s1600/10308229_10202850401000054_8356538073061952686_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7EE8Kz4jo3k/U3JnaxERmXI/AAAAAAAAADs/7qJdOdZcR5I/s1600/10308229_10202850401000054_8356538073061952686_n.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div><br />You can also see Avila golf resort where we have played a little golf, and caught a couple good live music shows. It is great weather for growing healthy foods here on the Central Coast, but also equally great weather for getting out, and exercising or just staying active.If you need more energy, and focus, and would like more info on the Advocare products listed in this blog see more at the following link...<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.advocare.com/130241667">www.advocare.com/130241667</a>Steven Hartmanhttps://plus.google.com/105346028885515213253noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8265736420916552639.post-6439541417437195162014-04-16T10:07:00.000-07:002014-04-16T10:07:50.668-07:00READY,SET,..........GROW!!!!!!Looks like we are off to a good start this year. We have our lettuce coming in nicely.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yKy7YflWpoI/U06xu4R01EI/AAAAAAAAABc/UwVgsAkPzDE/s1600/garden+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yKy7YflWpoI/U06xu4R01EI/AAAAAAAAABc/UwVgsAkPzDE/s1600/garden+001.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Of course we need our spinach to go with it!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x3OX2yYvFVc/U06yEMh5K6I/AAAAAAAAABk/kBCj3G_0DAk/s1600/garden+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x3OX2yYvFVc/U06yEMh5K6I/AAAAAAAAABk/kBCj3G_0DAk/s1600/garden+002.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We are also growing several different kinds of tomatoes. The little cherry tomatoes come back every year on their own , but we did plant some other varieties also.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W8InvRBqLtM/U06ysKscaJI/AAAAAAAAABs/yyOiA5DbhmQ/s1600/garden+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W8InvRBqLtM/U06ysKscaJI/AAAAAAAAABs/yyOiA5DbhmQ/s1600/garden+005.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">For other healthy dishes we have green beans coming up fast, and if anything like last year we should get a "truck load"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QZhpE3GL2lA/U06zVOqDrFI/AAAAAAAAAB0/tFCfZCv1aqQ/s1600/garden+006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QZhpE3GL2lA/U06zVOqDrFI/AAAAAAAAAB0/tFCfZCv1aqQ/s1600/garden+006.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our strawberries survived the winter and have already produced a few berries. (only the birds got to them first!) That's why we are starting to bring some of our growing Indoors.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N2MySo7vCSo/U060OF86N6I/AAAAAAAAACA/ismQ3enABvw/s1600/garden+008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N2MySo7vCSo/U060OF86N6I/AAAAAAAAACA/ismQ3enABvw/s1600/garden+008.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The snails and other insects have snacked on the parsnips but we still managed to save a few!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6-8NeIW5EgY/U060pbrv1vI/AAAAAAAAACI/PUjP0w8VNxI/s1600/garden+009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6-8NeIW5EgY/U060pbrv1vI/AAAAAAAAACI/PUjP0w8VNxI/s1600/garden+009.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The asparagus has been coming in pretty good so far, but like always it's just not enough.These guys are very delicious and healthy, but they grow to slow for my taste.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tW6GXq1meoY/U061cHQpx6I/AAAAAAAAACU/GP6UDYzfuYE/s1600/garden+007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tW6GXq1meoY/U061cHQpx6I/AAAAAAAAACU/GP6UDYzfuYE/s1600/garden+007.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We have a rosemary bush that is pretty hardy but still young so we also started some parsley and basil. I am still considering a spice garden when I can find the extra time.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sRQD7X7y_dk/U062KAAK9_I/AAAAAAAAACc/p3VVEuSeS1w/s1600/garden+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sRQD7X7y_dk/U062KAAK9_I/AAAAAAAAACc/p3VVEuSeS1w/s1600/garden+003.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RhEO7JdjFx8/U062OMqAL0I/AAAAAAAAACk/QyVVrzVeb8c/s1600/garden+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RhEO7JdjFx8/U062OMqAL0I/AAAAAAAAACk/QyVVrzVeb8c/s1600/garden+004.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So as you can see the outdoor garden has sprung into action , and is taking off in good shape.Our inside plants are doing well also, minus the bug problem ,but just like before we just don't have the room inside for the scale of operation we want. So we will just see what lies ahead for our yummy little community in the coming weeks.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Steven Hartmanhttps://plus.google.com/105346028885515213253noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8265736420916552639.post-39612392039149909192014-03-25T10:07:00.000-07:002014-03-27T09:48:28.903-07:00Start of the seasonWell the soil has been prepared. The rain (although not much) has come,and gone. Now we move our attention to sowing our seeds. We have already got lettuce,and spinach growing,and tomato plants (some volunteer plants that come up when they want) and others from the garden center.It looks like a good start to some delicious salads. On the other hand our indoor plants are loving the extra light from the 18 hour light cycle they get,and are quite happy to be inside away from the snails, and other pests.We also started a tray full of heirloom lettuce to be grown as "micro greens". This is a fun little project that doesn't cost much, and rewards you with nutrient packed delicious little greens for salads,soups, and sandwiches. We have much more to plant, and this year we hope to place our crops in better locations to ensure our plants are getting the sunlight they need, and not end up with plants fighting for space in the grow boxes.Steven Hartmanhttps://plus.google.com/105346028885515213253noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8265736420916552639.post-18670531464947424262014-02-12T09:05:00.001-08:002014-02-12T09:07:16.518-08:00Making Your own Nutrient Solution for Hydroponic GardeningI came across this article while surfing for a better way to feed my plants. The cost of nutrients for Hydroponic Gardening is through the roof! I think this year i'm going to try to mix my own nutes! This article has some good ideas. https://mycotopia.net/topic/22338-mix-your-own-nutes-from-chemical-salts/<a href="https://mycotopia.net/topic/22338-mix-your-own-nutes-from-chemical-salts/">https://mycotopia.net/topic/22338-mix-your-own-nutes-from-chemical-salts/</a>Steven Hartmanhttps://plus.google.com/105346028885515213253noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8265736420916552639.post-86653635094180014072014-02-09T13:29:00.000-08:002014-02-10T10:39:39.887-08:00The Oxygen Pot Advantage!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qWHKRVw4tHg/UvkchDVCT_I/AAAAAAAAABE/wYACsky2f9o/s1600/oxypot6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_lm_595350="null" cua="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qWHKRVw4tHg/UvkchDVCT_I/AAAAAAAAABE/wYACsky2f9o/s1600/oxypot6.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nl6hlK3PbaI">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nl6hlK3PbaI </a>This would sure help increase your total indoor crop size! Steven Hartmanhttps://plus.google.com/105346028885515213253noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8265736420916552639.post-87207367818905601142014-02-04T10:23:00.000-08:002014-02-04T10:23:25.372-08:00Welcome MoistureWe finally got some rain. Sure it's not going to get us out of a drought, but it was nice. If we are lucky we will start to see some new growth in the garden. There are broccoli, lettuce, and spinach seeds just waiting to germinate. On the other hand, going indoors, we will be trying something new!Steven Hartmanhttps://plus.google.com/105346028885515213253noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8265736420916552639.post-63254186160753742462014-01-31T08:42:00.004-08:002014-01-31T08:42:53.220-08:00Indoor vs.outdoorI had moderate luck with my outdoor garden last year, but some of the melons and vegetables just didn't want to grow like they should . Of course you know I will be trying the same things this year, but the question I keep asking myself is maybe somethings will do better in an indoor garden! I feel as if I may need to change the watering system in the outdoor garden, and use more fertilizer in the soil. Then I think about just going indoors, and not worry about soil at all. There is plenty of room outside for everything I want to grow, but limited space indoors. Indoor gardens have less disease and insects, and use less water, but I will lose to much space. Oh what to do! Lucky for me I have a little more time to plan.The greenhouse and raised garden beds are empty now, but hopefully soon they will be overly abundant with vegetables and herbs!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/editor/static_files/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" cua="true" src="" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SrrJD_nm2Xo/UuFU27cYAaI/AAAAAAAAACQ/goGCf7bLKnk/s1600/outdoor+garden+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_lm_269585="null" cua="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SrrJD_nm2Xo/UuFU27cYAaI/AAAAAAAAACQ/goGCf7bLKnk/s1600/outdoor+garden+001.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c9t4nVXaGGU/UuFU7RAJjGI/AAAAAAAAACY/hJrg2EXJ8PA/s1600/outdoor+garden+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_lm_269585="null" cua="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c9t4nVXaGGU/UuFU7RAJjGI/AAAAAAAAACY/hJrg2EXJ8PA/s1600/outdoor+garden+002.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fIVtkGHZMzY/UuFU9t-bOjI/AAAAAAAAACg/Y-sAp0m5dHo/s1600/outdoor+garden+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_lm_269585="null" cua="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fIVtkGHZMzY/UuFU9t-bOjI/AAAAAAAAACg/Y-sAp0m5dHo/s1600/outdoor+garden+003.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XTXxAzcdWPI/UuFU_YOfdOI/AAAAAAAAACo/CAB7AVc2cKI/s1600/outdoor+garden+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_lm_269585="null" cua="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XTXxAzcdWPI/UuFU_YOfdOI/AAAAAAAAACo/CAB7AVc2cKI/s1600/outdoor+garden+005.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-61atW2Hegrs/UuFVBLPghdI/AAAAAAAAACw/hZHiDcf6-K4/s1600/outdoor+garden+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_lm_269585="null" cua="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-61atW2Hegrs/UuFVBLPghdI/AAAAAAAAACw/hZHiDcf6-K4/s1600/outdoor+garden+004.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>Steven Hartmanhttps://plus.google.com/105346028885515213253noreply@blogger.com2